Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the challenges of close friendship

Much has been learned about the social rejection of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by their schoolmates. Although these group processes are clearly important, recent advances in theory and research have revealed the importance of close friendship.

In this paper, we review the current knowledge about the close friendships of children with ADHD RESULTS: Although children with ADHD tend to be excluded from close friendship, the data on the features of the friendships they do have are too limited and too flawed to permit conclusions about patterns of inter-action between children with ADHD and their friends. Few data are actually available to indicate why children with ADHD have difficulty keeping the friends they do have.

We conclude by briefly discussing some implications for pharmacological treatments and peer-relations interventions.